Interview: IMPERA

Impera is a groove metal band coming from Lisbon, Portugal. The band recently put out their debut album "Weightless" and they talked with us about it.

What made you go for the name Impera?

The name was given by a friend of our drummer, named Filipe Henriques. Both him and Chen started the band in highschool as a hobby. Later, Filipe left the band and Chen decided to keep the name.

How do you usually describe your music?

Really a mix between groove metal and stoner/progressive metal. But there are all sorts of influences regarding each band member and those are what make our blend unique.

What is your writing process like?

There really isn't a norm. Some songs we came up with the instrumental parts first and then adapted the lyrics or theme around the sound we already had. Others, we wrote the lyrics first and then tried to compose the sound we felt went along best with the theme we chose.

Who or what is your inspiration, if you have any?

That depends on which band member you ask. All of us have somewhat different taste in music, with some overlap, of course. Maybe the one we all have in common would be Lamb of God or Mastodon, as that is our most common interest.

What is your favourite piece on the “Weightless” album?

Five to Nine and Grasp.

What makes “Weightless” different?

There is a vast variety of sounds throughout the album, going from dissonances to clean melodies, while maintaining a common theme. It’s a concept album that strives to take the listener in an introspective journey. That concept is explored throughout the album. We wanted it to both begin and end seamlessly, and we think we’ve achieved it.

What should music lovers expect from “Weightless”?

They should expect a very heavy and concise sound with carefully chosen combinations between each instrument. There is an array of deep melody combinations that serve as the theme of the album, while reprising themselves throughout it. The brutal yet carefully crafted lyrics are performed excelently and blend with every riff.

What kind of emotions would you like your audience to feel when they listen to your music?

The album itself tells a story that one can listen to and relate. It takes us through different kinds of emotions. We hope that everyone who listens to it can feel them as well.

Which do you like most, life in the studio or on tour?

Well, we haven’t actually toured yet, so life in the studio wins. But we’re really looking forward for our first tour.

Pick your three favourite albums that you would take on a desert island with you.

That’s very hard, but as a band maybe Sacrament by Lamb of God, Crack the Skye by Mastodon and 10,000 Days by Tool.